The hottest Transportation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

#8: The best way to see the American West: Amtrak

Bureau of Adventure • 139 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🏝 Travel Transportation
  1. Amtrak trains offer scenic views that you can't get from cars or planes. Traveling by train lets you enjoy the landscape up close, making the journey part of the experience.
  2. Amtrak's long-distance trains have comfortable spaces, including sleeper cars and dining options. It's a cozy way to travel across the country, especially on multi-day trips.
  3. While train travel may take longer and sometimes be pricier than flying, the unique experience and beautiful sights make it worth considering for your next trip.

Walking the Netherlands: From Amsterdam to The Hague

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 771 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Transportation
  1. The Dutch culture emphasizes good citizenship, seen in how they are thoughtful, friendly, and helpful to strangers.
  2. The Netherlands is clean and functional due to being a high-trust society, which allows for nice things without fear of them being misused.
  3. Placing a focus on pedestrians and cyclists over cars has made Dutch cities more livable and charming, contrasting with the struggles in the US.

Off-Topic Reminiscing

Arming for the War We're In • 117 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Transportation
  1. The author reflects on their return to running after years of focusing on cycling
  2. The author discusses the differences in living in Europe versus the US, ranging from financial systems to food expiration dates
  3. The author expresses frustration with infrastructure and transportation issues in the US

Aura of Success: The First Years of Japan's Privatized National Railways

S(ubstack)-Bahn • 341 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
💼 Business Transportation
  1. Japan's privatized national railways, known as JR, started with a big public celebration but hid serious financial issues. The debt from the old national rail system was moved to a new agency, allowing JR to look profitable right from the start.
  2. To make the railways seem successful, the government cut jobs and weakened labor unions, which helped JR reduce costs and shift focus to customer service, making it appear more efficient.
  3. While JR showed initial profitability and ridership growth, the reality is that public funding and clever accounting masked ongoing financial struggles, leading to a significant government bailout years later.

He Zohran, He Zohwon and Now We Must Fight

Exasperated Infrastructures • 21 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation
  1. Remake City Hall and diffuse power so decisions are collaborative and hard for capital interests to undo. Build participatory, block-level governance and align land use and transportation across the city.
  2. Treat the huge, tax-reliant budget honestly: publicly inventory revenues and spending, plan for possible austerity, and reallocate investments to drive affordability without hiding tradeoffs.
  3. Pursue practical, people-first tactics: deliver easy wins like bus and protected bike lanes, use data equitably instead of technocratically, and be willing to fight entrenched interests to protect working‑class outcomes.
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Take Infinity: Mini Exasperations #1

Exasperated Infrastructures • 12 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation
  1. A plan to publish 52 weekly pieces focused on urban politics and infrastructure, each following a three-part format: a short observation, a few curated articles with context, and a recommended writer.
  2. Infrastructure decisions are political and require clear alternatives analysis and honest cost comparisons; big projects like tunnels or high‑speed rail come with trade‑offs around funding, oversight, and procurement (including Build America/Buy America implications).
  3. There’s an emphasis on building reader community and engagement through a short survey, subscriptions, and by spotlighting other writers to broaden conversation and connections.

Private Jets: The Luxury with A Huge Carbon Footprint

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Transportation
  1. Private jets cause a lot of pollution. They can emit as much carbon dioxide in a year as 177 cars.
  2. The number of private jets is increasing, leading to more greenhouse gas emissions over time. They are often used for short trips, which makes the pollution worse.
  3. Using private jets is a luxury that only a small percent of the world enjoys. Reducing their use could help lessen the environmental impact.

Has Switzerland Built the Best Public Transportation System in the World?

Can We Still Govern? • 272 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Transportation
  1. Switzerland has a top-notch public transportation system that is reliable and well-connected. You can easily hop on different trains and buses without hassle, making travel stress-free.
  2. The Swiss transportation system is designed with the user in mind, lowering confusion and making it easy to know where to go next. You rarely need to worry about tickets because everything is convenient, like using one pass for all transport.
  3. Overall, Switzerland’s approach to public transportation shows how good planning and organization can create an excellent travel experience. It reflects a commitment to making travel accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford cars.

The Beginning of the End of Private Cars in American Cities

The New Urban Order • 179 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Transportation
  1. Private car ownership in American cities is likely to decrease in the coming decades, with a shift towards a variety of mobility options like bikes, scooters, taxis, and rental cars.
  2. Diverse demographic and social trends, including remote work, declining young families, and aging Baby Boomers, are contributing to this transition away from private car ownership.
  3. The rise of car-share options, developments in autonomous vehicles, and the focus on mobility mix in some American cities are further paving the way for decreased reliance on owning cars.

Ode to an E-Bike

The Analog Family • 199 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Transportation
  1. E-bikes can really change your daily life by making errands and travel more enjoyable and practical. They allow for easy transport of kids and groceries without the stress of traffic.
  2. People of all ages and backgrounds are curious about e-bikes, which sparks conversations everywhere. Owning one can make you feel like a celebrity as others ask about your ride.
  3. E-bikes are a great alternative to cars, especially for short trips, and they provide a fun way to stay active. They bring joy and excitement to everyday routines, enhancing overall quality of life.

E-scooters are good and Britain should legalise them

Odds and Ends of History • 1072 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
💼 Business Transportation
  1. E-scooters can help reduce car usage and congestion in cities due to their compact design and ability to take up less space.
  2. Legalizing e-scooters can lead to positive downstream consequences, such as reducing car dependence, reshaping urban geography, and creating a more sustainable environment.
  3. Regulating e-scooters through legalization can improve safety standards, encourage responsible riding behavior, and prompt the development of infrastructure to accommodate different modes of transportation.

2025 Update - Part 4

Devansh’s Newsletter • 5 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🏝 Travel Transportation
  1. A quiet, welcoming workspace and a gentle community made deep, focused work possible and helped finish important writing.
  2. Trying to do many projects at once didn’t work, so choosing one clear goal — a printable version of the book — brought clarity and real life changes.
  3. Daily wellness routines matter: consistent yoga and meditation became essential, missing gym workouts was noticeable, and hobbies like golf provided a non‑work source of accomplishment and balance.

What if we treated car crashes like plane crashes?

The Charlotte Ledger • 137 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
📰 News Transportation
  1. When investigating plane crashes, every piece of evidence is examined to prevent future incidents. Car crash investigations should also focus on prevention rather than just assigning blame.
  2. A group of urbanists is analyzing car crashes like plane crashes, suggesting changes to prevent future accidents based on detailed analysis.
  3. Factors like lack of mid-crossing pedestrian refuges, long traffic signal cycles, and high speed limits contribute to car crashes, highlighting the need for changes in infrastructure and traffic management.

#9: January Travel Links

Bureau of Adventure • 79 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Transportation
  1. Mexico City has 25 must-try dishes that chefs and locals recommend. It's a great guide for anyone looking to explore its food scene.
  2. Travel brands like Boundless are making it easier for families to live as digital nomads. They offer community and services in different locations around the world.
  3. Accident reports from Viking Polaris and Amtrak show important lessons for safety and design improvements in travel. Learning from these incidents can help prevent future accidents.

She Drove The Tube Train 100 Years Ago: How a Woman Launched a Rebuilt Northern Line

Londonist: Time Machine • 99 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
💾 History Transportation
  1. The Bank branch of the Northern line was rebuilt in 1923, including widening the tunnels, in a remarkable engineering feat.
  2. The reconstruction involved meticulous planning and a terrifying explosion, highlighting the challenges faced during the project.
  3. Despite the significant efforts and historical importance of the project, this story is often overlooked and forgotten in history.

Age of Invention: Freight Expectations

Age of Invention, by Anton Howes • 736 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Transportation
  1. Transport infrastructure plays a key role in boosting economic growth by providing access to energy and markets.
  2. Historically, the primary focus of early transport infrastructure like canals and railways was to transport goods, especially coal and grain.
  3. While passenger transportation is beneficial for connecting cities and improving labor market efficiency, access to energy and markets are more crucial for economic growth.

You got to pay people to work in the suburbs

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
💼 Business Transportation
  1. Moving offices to the suburbs often increases most employees' commute times because public transit is built for suburb‑to‑city travel, not suburb‑to‑suburb trips.
  2. Companies pay skilled workers more to compensate for longer commutes—roughly a 10–20% wage uplift per extra hour—which can amount to a large effective payment for travel time.
  3. Relocating work to the suburbs only makes economic sense for low- and medium‑skilled white‑collar roles (like support and admin) and only if rent savings are big enough to offset higher wages for affected staff.

Why HS2 is a disaster

Odds and Ends of History • 67 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Transportation
  1. HS2 has faced serious construction issues, making it a problematic project overall. Many believe it hasn’t turned out the way it was planned.
  2. Autonomous vehicles are getting closer to being a reality in London, but there are many possible effects to consider as they become common.
  3. Tom Forth is working on a project called the National Data Library, which aims to improve data sharing and transparency with the government.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #129

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 129 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Transportation
  1. Boom Supersonic has successfully tested its XB-1 jet, marking a big step toward commercial supersonic flights. This could cut flight times significantly, like from New York to London in about three and a half hours.
  2. DeepSeek's new AI model shows it's possible to train a top-level AI for much less money than before. This could make AI more affordable and accessible for various uses.
  3. Science Corp is experimenting with brain-computer interfaces that blend lab-grown neurons with animal brains. This technology could enhance brain function and offer new treatments for neural damage.

London's First Cyclists

Londonist: Time Machine • 99 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
💾 History Transportation
  1. London had its first cyclists over 200 years ago, riding heavy, expensive bikes without pedals that still outpaced horses in certain situations.
  2. The early bikes were called 'velocipedes' and were a talk of the town in London, despite their limitations.
  3. Londoners showed interest in these 'dandy horses' even though they were primitive compared to modern bicycles.

#18: Amtrak's Next Generation Trains Look Awesome

Bureau of Adventure • 3 HN points • 17 Aug 24
🏝 Travel Transportation
  1. Amtrak is introducing new long-distance trains that enhance the passenger experience. The new designs aim to improve comfort with better sleeping compartments and dining options.
  2. The new trains will have special lounges for first-class passengers. This means they will have a place to relax, get snacks, and enjoy drinks that coach passengers won't have.
  3. Accessibility is a big focus, allowing more people to enjoy train travel. The trains will include features like lifts to upper levels and wider aisles to make it easier for everyone.

Remote Stands, Bus Boarding, and Last-Minute Gates: A Tale of Two Airport Systems

Gad’s Newsletter • 41 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🏝 Travel Transportation
  1. European airports often use bus boarding and announce gates last minute. This helps them manage space better and serve more flights, but can confuse travelers used to U.S. airports.
  2. The system in Europe allows for flexibility and efficiency, especially when handling delays. It can mean faster boarding by using multiple doors, helping flights get back on schedule.
  3. In the U.S., airports prefer to use jet bridges and fixed gates, prioritizing passenger comfort. This leads to fewer bus boardings but can cause delays when gates are occupied.

How high-speed rail won over the world

Urben Field Notes • 124 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation
  1. Many countries around the world are expanding their high-speed rail systems, while the US is falling behind. It's surprising that America doesn't have more fast trains since the technology has been around for a long time.
  2. High-speed rail is benefitting countries with increased passenger numbers and better environmental impact. Rail travel produces far less carbon pollution compared to cars and planes, making it a cleaner option.
  3. To develop high-speed rail in the US, there may be a need to collaborate with countries that have experience in building these systems. Learning from others could help the US catch up in this area.

Reviewing Las Vegas

Wooly's Post Repository • 78 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🏝 Travel Transportation
  1. The Las Vegas Strip offers easy fun with money, no planning required
  2. Vegas provides a break from being 'too online' and demands physical interaction
  3. Outside the Strip, Vegas lacks depth and connections, more suitable for temporary stays

Kyiv Metro vs the World: An Exploration

S(ubstack)-Bahn • 341 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🌐 International Transportation
  1. Kyiv Metro managed to run high frequency trains during wartime, which was a challenge for other systems.
  2. The success of Kyiv Metro can be attributed to infrastructural choices, like station typology, and organizational practices, like a Soviet-era philosophy of train throughput.
  3. Kyiv Metro's ability to operate effectively and maintain high frequencies is also due to having a surplus of labor, contributing to its resilience.

When The Underground Sucked: London's Atmospheric Railways

Londonist: Time Machine • 59 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
💾 History Transportation
  1. London's atmospheric railways in the 19th century were like the Hyperloop of that time, a unique transportation system that was given serious thought.
  2. An atmospheric railway was essentially being pulled to work through a giant vacuum cleaner, an innovative and unconventional concept for its era.
  3. The article explores past futures and how London's history includes fascinating ideas like atmospheric railways that can offer a unique perspective on the present.

#5: October Travel Links

Bureau of Adventure • 59 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Transportation
  1. Japan Airlines is offering a clothing rental service for travelers. This could help people pack lighter and reduce the fuel used for flights.
  2. There are new high-speed trains connecting Miami and Orlando, making travel easier in Florida. More routes are being planned too, which is exciting!
  3. United Airlines is expanding its fleet with more planes. This shows they are focusing on premium travelers and growing internationally.

Commercial Transportation

Helix • 58 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
💼 Business Transportation
  1. In a net zero world, last-mile shipping using trucks is essential despite efforts to make other forms of transportation more sustainable.
  2. Diesel trucks are prevalent in transportation and need to be addressed for a net zero solution.
  3. Utilizing existing infrastructure is key to delivering a net zero solution in commercial transportation.

Biofuels: the US could switch to electric cars and solar power on just a fraction of the land

Sustainability by numbers • 296 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Transportation
  1. Growing biofuels in the US is a poor use of land, especially when solar energy needs much less land and could power the country three times over.
  2. Biofuels may not have as positive an impact on the environment as initially assumed, with some studies suggesting they could increase emissions.
  3. Switching from biofuels to solar power for electric cars in the US could significantly reduce land use and still meet transportation needs.

Good regulation vs bad regulation

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Transportation
  1. Some government regulation — like limits on noise and requirements for workplace protections — can improve public health and raise local property values.
  2. Installing noise barriers next to busy roads quickly increases nearby home prices (about 6.8% within 100m) and could unlock roughly $110 billion in lost property value nationwide.
  3. Widespread adoption of electric vehicles reduces traffic noise and could further boost property values (an estimated $77 billion gain), so faster EV uptake would help homeowners near noisy streets.

Trains and transmission: A climate solution hiding in plain sight?

Urben Field Notes • 70 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Transportation
  1. Building transmission lines along railroads can help reduce climate change and improve both passenger and freight train service. This idea uses existing land to create cleaner energy options and faster trains.
  2. Electrifying trains can lead to less pollution, faster travel, and more efficient freight shipping. New battery technologies make this more affordable than before.
  3. Government plans highlight the right areas for train electrification and better energy transmission. However, significant funding and cooperation will be necessary to turn these plans into reality.